Practice of Noseband Use and Intentions Towards Behavioural Change in Dutch Equestrians.

E Kathalijne Visser,Monique M F Kuypers,Bernd Riedstra,Jennifer S M Stam

doi:10.3390/ani9121131

E Kathalijne Visser, Monique M F Kuypers + Show 2 more

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https://doi.org/10.3390/ani9121131

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Abstract

Simple SummaryThe space between the noseband and the skin of competition horses is a current welfare issue. The practices regarding the noseband tightness of Dutch horses was studied, as well as the intentions of Dutch equestrians when fastening the noseband. More than half (59%) of Dutch riders had their horses’ nosebands tightened according to the new two-finger regulation, implemented 1 April 2019. Dressage horses and older horses wore less tight nosebands compared to show jumping and younger horses. Results of an internet survey on intentions for noseband use showed that 54.5% of the respondents agreed with the new regulation and 62% believe that it will improve horse welfare. The respondents could be categorised into three different groups that differed regarding their own attitude towards noseband tightening behaviour, how peer pressure may affect noseband tightening behaviour, and how they perceived the new regulation. To improve horse welfare, knowledge transfer should include different strategies for different groups. Moreover, to convince equestrians to adhere to, and ensure a successful implementation of, the new regulation, transparency and objective measurements should be put in place.Understanding equestrians’ noseband tightening practices and intentions is necessary to target welfare improvement strategies. Firstly, we measured tightness in dressage and show jumping horses in The Netherlands, shortly after implementation of the two-finger rule by the Royal Dutch Equestrian Federation. Noseband tightness decreased with age, was less tight in dressage horses than in show jumpers, and was dependent on the interaction between competition level and discipline. Fifty-nine percent of the riders tightened nosebands to such an extent that they adhered to the new regulation. Secondly, we conducted an online survey to gain insight into whether riders were aware of noseband use and tightening behaviour. Of the 386 respondents, 54.5% agreed with the new regulations, and 62% believe that it improves horses’ welfare. Applying cluster analysis to statements regarding their own attitude, peer pressure, and behavioural control produced three clusters. Noticeably, a lower percentage of Cluster 1 respondents (38%) performing at higher levels was convinced that the new regulation improved welfare than Cluster 2 (77.9%) and 3 (89.0%) respondents. Designing strategies to ensure the successful implementation of the new regulation and to convince equestrians to comply would be most effective if targeted differentially, and should include a transparent and objective form of regulation.

Highlights

In recent decades, the use of animals for consumption, sport, and leisure has seen an increase in regulations aimed at improving animal welfare
Our data on the noseband tightness levels of horses in dressage and show jumping competitions at the national level in The Netherlands shows that the majority (59%) had their nosebands tightened to such an extent that is was possible to insert the International Society for Equitation Science (ISES) taper gauge under the noseband to at least the two fingers tightness, as the regulations prescribe
In contrast to our study, Doherty, et al [2] did not find an effect of age on tightness among eventers, dressage horses and performance hunters, whereas we found that older horses had significantly more space between the noseband and nasal plane, which may be a consequence of a longer training and an increased level of trust in the relationship between rider and horse

Summary

Introduction

The use of animals for consumption, sport, and leisure has seen an increase in regulations aimed at improving animal welfare. The horse is a species used for all these purposes and, in order to obtain a social license to use them for sports or leisure, the equestrian industry has to prove that horse welfare is protected. The noseband is part of the bridle, which is the main instrument used to control horses by riders. By applying pressure on the horse via the bridle, a rider tries to control a horse through both their training and the restraint brought about by this bridle [2]. The nosebands on the bridles can be applied with varying levels of tightness. A reason for applying a particular level of tightness of the noseband in, e.g., dressage may include preventing or discouraging a horse from opening its mouth. Submission is desirable in dressage because marks are deducted if the horse is judged to be resisting the bit [5]

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